College of Charleston athletic director Joe Hull is leaving the school when his contract expires at the end of the year.

College President Glenn McConnell released a statement Monday that did not say why Hull was leaving after nine years.

Hull was athletic director when College of Charleston opened 5,100-seat TD Arena, which helped to attract the Charleston Classic fall basketball tournament to the city. He also helped lead the Cougars from the Southern Conference to the Colonial Athletic Conference a few years ago.

McConnell says the college has won 42 conference championships in 12 sports under Hull.

The school president says a nationwide search will begin this summer for Hull's replacement.